Build a well in Africa, starting right here in Clarington

Oshawa This Week

The only thing better than sharing in the annual Thanksgiving in Canada must be sharing in a season of Thanksgiving right through autumn until Christmas.

So it is for an initiative underway in Newcastle -- Thanksgiving Till Christmas -- that will see funds raised to build a water well for a village in Africa. It's all part of a family-based initiative to teach children the importance of charity, of giving back, and of celebrating the good fortune most Canadians enjoy.

The project was launched just after our Canadian Thanksgiving in October with several local families taking part. Small, targeted fundraisers are being organized and some have already taken place, with proceeds being added to the pot until there is enough for the well, estimated to cost $5,500.

For example, sisters Ellie and Jenny Gass (ages 5 and 2) held a toy garage sale last weekend and raised $260 for the cause. An upcoming 'Bringing Water Home' fundraiser, on Nov. 4 at 1 p.m., will see the Leung brothers lug 10-litre jugs of water from the creek off Port Newcastle Drive. For every $100 pledged, they'll drag one 10-litre jug.

In and of itself, this local fundraising initiative on behalf of needy families on the other side of the world is impressive enough. But the lifelong lessons learned by Newcastle youth taking part in the initiative is awe inspiring. Through their efforts, participating children will see tangible results from their efforts. They'll become more aware of the world around them as they grow, more sensitive to the plight of the less fortunate in our communities, and build more charitable worldviews.

But at its core, at its simplest, the initiative is about helping others in need.

Here's hoping the larger communities in Clarington can contribute to the cause. Pledge to help those families taking part in the project. Head out to any one of the planned fundraisers and help put them within reach of their $5,500 goal. Every dollar counts and no donation is too small.